Has Kenya Found the Game-Changer in HIV Prevention? New Injection Coming in 2026 at a Surprisingly Low Cost

A new HIV prevention injection called Lenacapavir is coming to Kenya, and it may change everything. This powerful shot only needs to be taken twice a year and will cost Sh6,000 per dose, according to Andrew Mulwa, the head of Kenya’s National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NASCOP). 

Speaking on NTV Kenya, Dr. Mulwa explained that the new injection is a major breakthrough in the fight against HIV. Unlike daily pills, which some people forget or stop taking, this shot gives protection for six months with just one jab. But he also warned that Lenacapavir does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it’s only for HIV. 

Kenyans will be able to get this injection starting January 2026. Many health experts are calling this a big step forward in protecting people who are at high risk of getting HIV, especially young women and adolescent girls in vulnerable communities. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on July 14 that Lenacapavir is a good option for preventing HIV. They said it should be offered alongside other methods like condoms and daily pills. WHO also praised the convenience of the new injection, only two shots a year are needed. 

This new HIV prevention drug is especially important for Kenya. The country ranks 7th in the world for HIV burden. Around 1.4 million people in Kenya are living with HIV. Because of this, Kenya was chosen as one of only nine African countries to receive Lenacapavir through special health programs funded by international partners. 

Other African countries in the program include Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Uganda, and Eswatini. These are places where HIV rates are still very high, and new prevention tools are urgently needed. 

The programs supporting this rollout include the Global Fund, Tiko Africa, and UNAIDS. These groups aim to make Lenacapavir affordable and widely available, especially for young women and girls who are at high risk of HIV infection. 

According to the Global Fund, at least 2 million doses of Lenacapavir will be supplied worldwide. Most of these will go to sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV infection rates are among the highest. 

This global deal became possible after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially approved Lenacapavir for HIV prevention in June 2025. Experts say this is one of the most important developments in HIV prevention in decades. 

The Global Fund said that Lenacapavir gives people more choices in how they protect themselves. It’s especially helpful for those who have trouble taking pills every day, face stigma when using HIV prevention methods, or simply want something more private and convenient. 

Instead of worrying every day about remembering pills, a person can get one shot, and be safe for six full months. Then they only need to return for another shot later in the year. This could help millions of people stay protected without the stress of daily medication. 

Kenyan health officials hope that Lenacapavir will be a life-saving option for many. It will also help reduce the number of new HIV infections in the country, especially in areas where HIV is still spreading quickly. 

The rollout of Lenacapavir will also give doctors and nurses new tools to support their patients. With more prevention choices, healthcare workers can better tailor their advice and treatment to each person’s needs. 

While the Sh6,000 price tag may sound high for some people, the government and partners hope that the cost will be reduced or covered through donor programs and health subsidies, especially for poor or rural communities. 

Lenacapavir won’t replace condoms or pills. But it offers another layer of protection. Experts say that using a mix of prevention methods is the best way to slow and stop the HIV epidemic. 

Already, many Kenyans are asking when and where they can get the shot. The Ministry of Health says more information about the rollout plan will be shared in late 2025. 

If the program is successful, Lenacapavir may become one of the most trusted tools in the fight against HIV, not only in Kenya but across Africa and the world. 

For now, Kenyans are being encouraged to stay informed, keep using current prevention methods, and prepare to talk to their doctors or health workers about Lenacapavir in the coming months. 

This could be the beginning of a new chapter in Kenya’s long fight against HIV.